The Standards provide for reasonable adjustments and alternative assessment arrangements to allow students with disabilities (including ASD) equal access to academic courses and activities.

Reasonable adjustments

A 'reasonable adjustment' is an action which enables a student with a disability to participate in education and training on the same basis as other students.

Examples of reasonable adjustments for examinations or essays could be:

an alternative assessment such as an oral exam rather than a written one

an alteration to the standard format of an assessment, such as typing instead of handwriting in an examination

allowing more time for the completion of an assignment or examination.

Other examples of reasonable adjustments and alternative assessments provided to students by Victorian higher education institutions are listed in the table below. With the exception of counselling services, these adjustments can be made only when the student has told the university or TAFE about his or her ASD diagnosis.

Read the Disclosure section to find out more about reasons for disclosure and when to disclose.

Functional impacts on academic performance

Reasonable adjustments

Alternative assessment arrangements

Sensory and motor

Light sensitivity

Noise sensitivity

Irritation to certain environments

Difficulty with fine motor skills such as handwriting

Short breaks during classes to help manage sensory sensitivities

Provide a learning environment which minimises the impacts of environmental effects e.g. lighting

Note taker for taking class notes

Flexible arrangements for field placements with extra consultation with field supervisor

For exams, provide extra writing time or use of computer to type answers